Silver is known for its shiny bright hue when used in its polished state, but has gained extreme popularity in a duller matte finish or a combination of polished and matte. Silver possesses working qualities similar to copper and gold, but enjoys greater reflectivity and can achieve a brilliant polish and shine. To make it durable for jewelry, however, pure silver (99% fineness) is alloyed together with small quantities of copper and other metals. In many countries, (92.5% silver, 7.5% other) is standard for sterling silver.

However, silver is often mixed with a variety of alloys. The added alloy gives silver hardness, durability, and uniqueness. Without alloy, silver piece would be too soft to wear. The mix toughens silver and makes it possible to use silver for odd shaped jewelry, silverware, picture frames, and more.

Silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity with today's fashion conscious public. So, when in fashion do as fashion-what-its do, use Silver in its many forms to forego dowdy formalities to keep your style unique, fresh, and captivating.

That’s knowing and holding yourself accountable to your own standards of performance. It always fascinates me how a champion athlete manages to remain positive in his self talk even after scoreboard says he has just suffered his most crushing defeat. Or during course of a game when team is way down and nobody gives them any chance of coming back and winning contest, and they do just that.

Why do you think that happens? Is it because they were lucky? Is it because other team lets up or stops trying as hard? Both of these may be true to some extent but we all know that in order to receive luck that's coming to us, we have to put ourselves in a position and state of mind to receive it.

As for other team letting up, that's their problem. Part of being a true champion is finishing. The true champion athletes and people are better at end of a tough match or day than they were at beginning. They're finishers.

True champions, both athlete’s and every day citizens only know one pace. All out. You never see them "coasting" no matter what score. They never let up in midst of doing whatever it is that they do. Whether it be throwing a baseball or being a parent.

True champions are people that average person looks at and remarks "man, don't you ever let up". The answer? No.

Helen Keller put it this way "One can never consent to creep when one feels impulse to soar." Have you ever felt that impulse?

Self-motivation starts and ends with what you say and believe about you, to you. You're either your own best friend or your own worst enemy and only you really know.

Which is it with you?

Have you ever taken time to really think about all of things you are? Your list of "I AM’s." You should do that sometime, you might be surprised at how incredibly awesome you are.

Thanks for your time and attention. Make this best and most productive week ever in your history. I AM.

Live some. Love some. Learn some. Everyday.

C...